Lara McCormick

Adjunct Professor

AUG 2024 - PRESENT · 2.2 years

Teach graduate students in the MDes Interaction Design program.

Design Director

FEB 2025 - FEB 2026 · 1.1 years

Taking brands to new places.

Principal Service Designer

JUN 2023 - MAR 2024 · 10 months

Explored and defined end user needs with partners using service design methods, including research, experience mapping, ideation and concept creation, workshop design and facilitation, service blueprinting, and prototyping. Developed and deployed the first of its kind Customer co-creation workshop series to define the future product roadmap.

Lead Service Designer, Community & Culture

JAN 2023 - MAY 2023 · 5 months

Designed and facilitated workshops to identify opportunities, leverage design thinking, and blueprint experiences to build culture and community within Square.

Principal Experience Designer, Community & Culture

JUN 2022 - OCT 2022 · 5 months

Champion of Culture and Community. Ran experience design workshops, revised the onboarding process, created a mentorship program, solved for an inclusive hybrid work model, designed gatherings for remote and on site employees.

Senior Design Educator and Facilitator

AUG 2021 - MAY 2022 · 10 months

Designed and delivered curriculum for internal employees, facilitated hybrid workshops, led the annual internal design conference, coached presenters.

Lead User Experience Design Instructor

SEP 2020 - AUG 2021 · 1 year

Guide adult students through a 12-week full-time bootcamp. Design and present lectures covering: visual design, design strategy and process, design tools (Figma, Sketch), research, testing, patterns, navigation, interactions, interfaces, wireframing, prototyping, mobile design, responsive design, storytelling and presenting, feedback and critique, working with teams and clients, portfolio design, and accessible and inclusive design. Continuously coach and assess design strategy, technical skills, and collaborative behaviors.

Creative Director

FEB 2020 - APR 2020 · 3 months

Provided creative direction within the brand studio.

Creative Director

MAY 2017 - DEC 2019 · 2.7 years

Oversaw the brand across all touch points. Led and mentored a team of designers, photographers and freelancers. Developed and articulated high-level design systems and advanced the design strategy of the organization. Collaborated with external design agency on the brand refresh. Execution of exhibition and environmental, print, and digital designs.

Head of Design

JUL 2014 - MAY 2017 · 2.9 years

Responsible for the development and execution of content strategy for the Art & Design category of this online creative education platform. Led and inspired a multi-disciplinary team, mentored and grew junior talent. Collaborated with engineers and business leads across product and marketing. Art directed video and photo shoots. Grew the Design Community.

Head of Graphic Design

JAN 2012 - JUN 2014 · 2.5 years

Built the college’s graphic design program. Wrote and designed the curriculum and developed coursework. Hired and led a team of faculty, mentored and advised students.

Adjunct Professor

JUN 2007 - DEC 2011 · 4.6 years

Taught courses within the undergraduate graphic design program and Continuing Education. Designed and developed two courses, Designer as Citizen, and Experimental Typography. The 'Designer as Citizen' course project was awarded the Sappi "ideas that Matter' grant and highlighted in 'Time Out New York'. Student work from the Experimental Typography Course received numerous awards from the Type Directors Club.

Design Director

OCT 2009 - NOV 2011 · 2.2 years

Created the new identity and brand guide for the College. Ensured consistent brand voice across all communication channels. Led and mentored internal design team, and translated briefs into actionable steps. Presented to senior leadership and recommended solutions.

Design Director

OCT 2009 - NOV 2011 · 2.2 years

Created the new identity and brand guide for the College. Ensured consistent brand voice across all communication channels. Led and mentored internal design team, and translated briefs into actionable steps. Presented to senior leadership and recommended solutions.

Art Director

JUL 2007 - SEP 2009 · 2.3 years

Responsible for the design and execution of the Weekly Review section of the Sunday Times. Sourced illustrations and information graphics from a selective freelance pool. Managed multiple work streams. Collaborated across teams.

Adjunct Professor

SEP 2007 - JUN 2009 · 1.8 years

Taught Communication Design I and II within the associate degree program on the Manhattan campus.

Designer

APR 2005 - SEP 2007 · 2.5 years

Projects included full branding systems, digital and print collateral, UX/UI, web, environments, and advertising for non-profit clients. Partnered with business leads to contribute to new business development efforts and pitch new work. Wrote and designed pitch decks.